First time backup-er... i got a few questions

[mojo2185]

I've finally ventured into the scary world of DVD to DVDr backups. I've looked around at a lot of the guides, and the FAQ but I still have a question.

If I want:
1) to keep most of the menus but remove others.
1a) Remove unwanted menus in DVD program and use IFO Edit to fix the sequence?
2)delete the full screen version (the dvd has fullscreen and widescreen selection)
2a) Just remove it using a program, right?
3) remove unwanted audio tracks and subtitles
3a) Same as 2a, just remove it right?

Which DVD program would allow me to do these things? I've looked at DVD shrink but you can't pick and choose much without "re-authoring", and in that case, you lose menu functionability.

Thanks for any help!

[Supreme2k]

Try DVDRemake. It works great for all of the things you've mentioned.

[daamon]

Hi mojo2185,

I wanted to do exactly the same as you, I was suggested a few tools and a process and it works good for me:

1. Rip the entire DVD using DVDDecrypter / SmartRipper to a dedicated directory.
2. Use VOB Blanker to effectively "zero" or blank (though not remove) unwanted menus, splash screens, additional footage etc. Place this in a different directory from step 1.
3. Use DVDShrink to select which movie (4:3 or 16:9) and which audio track(s) from the 2nd directory (the directory with the output from VOB Blanker).

In DVDShrink, you'll have to use the "Full Disc" -> "Open Files" method...

It's been a little while since I've done it so there may be some detail missing, but hopefully it'll point you in the right direction.

I've not used DVDRemake so I don't know if that's better or worse than the steps above.

Hope that helps...

[mojo2185]

I've decided to use DVDremake.
Two things I'm really confused on:

1. I'd like to change the button functions so that when "Play movie" is selected, it jumps directly to the widescreen version, rather than to a menu where you can choose widescreen or fullscreen. Any ideas on how to do this?

2. After I export the dvd, how do i burn it using Nero? Do i just put all the files in the video_ts folder? All the files are vobs and such...
And how do you create a disk image in Nero so I can view it with an image drive (Daemon tools)?

Thanks

[aguillon]

1- Not sure as I don t use DVD Remake

2-Indeed you point Nero to all the files in your VIDEO_TS folder.

3- To create a disk image in Nero, change recorder. Instead of using your DVD burner, select 'Image Recorder' from the drop down list, burn as per usual (you will be asked for a name and location). You can then open the resulting image file using Daemon Tools for instance.

[daamon]

1. I'd like to change the button functions so that when "Play movie" is selected, it jumps directly to the widescreen version, rather than to a menu where you can choose widescreen or fullscreen. Any ideas on how to do this?

I don't know how this can be done, but I would imagine that the info on where to jump to is stored in the IFO files and so IfoEdit might be able to be used to do the job.

What you change and where it is - I don't know. But I hope it points you in the right direction. IfoEdit is an established tool and so I'd guess (hope) there'd be loads on this site about it...

Hope that helps. Good luck.

P.S. Based on the posts above, I've had a look at the DVDRemake site and decided to give the tool a try - it looks good. I hope it delivers what it promises...

[dvdx_925]

Just wondering if it is possible to replace one of the trailers in the dvd trailer section with your own. Wouldn't you have to create a new ifo file or something.

Thanks

[mojo2185]

What you change and where it is - I don't know. But I hope it points you in the right direction. IfoEdit is an established tool and so I'd guess (hope) there'd be loads on this site about it...

I think DVDremake has an IFOedit type program built in. For each menu or menu button you can see its commands. I'll look for some IFOedit info and i'm sure it will be somehow relevant to my issue.

P.S. Based on the posts above, I've had a look at the DVDRemake site and decided to give the tool a try - it looks good. I hope it delivers what it promises...

Its pretty cool. Even though its the first DVD program I've tried, i'm very impressed with the ability to remove video files, remove actual buttons used in menus (lets say you remove all the extra features, you can disable the "extra features" button on the main menu so the viewer can't go there), and export the dvd.

Just wondering if it is possible to replace one of the trailers in the dvd trailer section with your own. Wouldn't you have to create a new ifo file or something.

I think so, but i'm not sure about the ifo. Now that I think about it, you probably do need to link it somewhere so its accessible from a menu or a remote. If you just replace one "extra feature" with you video, it might be ok (it will already have dvd commands).

[dimad]

1. I'd like to change the button functions so that when "Play movie" is selected, it jumps directly to the widescreen version, rather than to a menu where you can choose widescreen or fullscreen. Any ideas on how to do this?

Have you seen this guide: http://www.dimadsoft.com/dvdremakepro/guide_ht_bypass_menu.php ?

[mojo2185]

I have now
It'll take me a while to understand that guide (its obviously a little more advanced than just hiding a video), but it looks promising!

BTW dimad, are you a representitive for the people who made the program?

I've tried the tutorial but it did not work exactly right. When the disk image was run, it froze right after I tried to "play the movie" (at the part where i changed the commands). Any tips?

Thanks!

[dimad]

BTW dimad, are you a representitive for the people who made the program?

I think, it can be put this way also.

I've tried the tutorial but it did not work exactly right. When the disk image was run, it froze right after I tried to "play the movie" (at the part where i changed the commands). Any tips?

Not exactly. If you did not change anything apart from the menu - you must have messed up something bypassing it I may suggest you describe what you try to achieve and how you do it in DvdReMake forum ( http://cdr-zone.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=19 ). There are quite a few experienced people out there who can help you resolve your problem. And others running into similar task can benefit.

[MackemX]

@mojo2185

a little tip for you to save some processing time copied from my post elsewhere

step 1: rip with DVDShrink using no compression (not 100% as it may have issues) and just remove audio/subs (do not use logical remapping). I think HD processing is better in most cases when using DVDRemake as you will save time loading projects, doing test exports and eventually processing. Even more so as the files on your HD will be smaller due to the stripped audio/subs so again it would be quicker

step 2: process with Remake

step 3: compress with whatever process you use

if you strip audio/subs first it saves on processing time in DRM and whatever you use to shrink it. DRM may even strip it enough so it doesn't need shrinking

as for the widescreen selection menu, using something like Mark's DVD Tray player is helpful as it tells you the parameter values once you start playing the DVD. You would then set the value that tells the DVD to play the widescreen version and just jump the menu. Sounds simple enough but you may even be able to get the info from the commands once you get the basics but it can all be done within DRM. I will eventually get a basic guide that will show you how to do it once I get a bit of spare time

you are doing well for a newbue

[dvdx_925]

I think so, but i'm not sure about the ifo. Now that I think about it, you probably do need to link it somewhere so its accessible from a menu or a remote. If you just replace one "extra feature" with you video, it might be ok (it will already have dvd commands).[/quote]

If i just replaced it with one of my own, wouldn't the info not recognize it, doesn't the ifo contain specfic information about the clip and if the information doesn't match, then it won't work?

[mojo2185]

as for the widescreen selection menu, using something like Mark's DVD Tray player is helpful as it tells you the parameter values once you start playing the DVD.

Cool idea... but the program keeps crashing on me (when i try to load it). Any tips?

[Supreme2k]

Just stick to the dimad guide. It takes a careful read and following of the directions, but you'll get it. It took me a couple of tries.

Of course, make sure to test with a software dvd player (from your HD) before burning

[mojo2185]

Just stick to the dimad guide. It takes a careful read and following of the directions, but you'll get it. It took me a couple of tries.

Followed it word by word. My dvd might be setup a little different so thats why those specific changes freeze my dvd.

Of course, make sure to test with a software dvd player (from your HD) before burning

Always.

The reason I want to try that Tray DVD player is that it might give me a hint on where my dvd is hanging up and what extra changes i might need to make. Unfortunately (like i already said), it keeps crashing on startup.

[mojo2185]

STUPID STUPID STUPID!

I got it. I completely messed up one of the variables, thats why it froze.

Regardless, i still need to know how to get that Tray DVD player to work. Any ideas to prevent it from crashing?

Thanks

[MackemX]

just in case you miss the post at cdr-zone, try posting at http://www.mmbforums.com regarding your issue with Marks player (his username is Markham)

it may even have a solution there already